Finding Contentment

Today, the kids and I had a picnic in the driveway. It was Katrina's idea. She is always coming up with interesting things to do.

Lately, God has been showing me that my attitude about living in Nairobi has been horrible. Really rotten. Yes, I miss Arusha, our ministry and our friends there. More than I can say. But, I need to learn what Paul learned, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippinas 4:12 In any and every situation. Which means instead of thinking, "Why can't we be in Arusha?" I need to thank God for putting me in Nairobi for this time period and learn to be content while we are here.

I have been convicted that I was portraying a negative attitude to my children about living here when I overheard them repeating negative remarks about Nairobi. Children are wonderful mirrors to the soul sometimes!

So, in that light, I am going to start to think about the positive things about living here. Of course there are things I like and things I don't like. I choose to focus on the postive, not the negative, and hopefully learn to be content. Because I think the secret to contentment isn't about having everything you want, or getting your way. It's about thanking God for what he HAS given you and for your blessings.

Things I like about Nairobi

1. There is a wonderful library here run by the Baptist Mission.

We don't really have a library to speak of in Arusha. And I LOVE libraries.

2. There is an ice-skating rink here.

And whoever heard of ice-skating in Africa? How great is that?

3. We live near the airport, which makes picking up guests easy.

4. Carnivore resturant has the best playground I've seen here, and the kids love to go there. The food isn't bad either.

5. Getting to know everyone in our small group at church.

6. Getting to work with and spend time with Larry and Judy Neimeyer, who wrote the discipleship material we use in Arusha.

7. We have a lovely house in a nice neighborhood.

8. There is a shop within walking distance.

9. There is a resturant within walking distance.

10. We have consistant power. (They have 12 hour power cuts in Tanzania right now.)